Rob:The Ducks were in helmets only for the third time this spring, as mandated by NCAA rules. They'll hold their second situational scrimmage Tuesday, with officials on hand as was the case for a similar workout last week.

Chris: Maybe the biggest question mark of all is how well will the Ducks replace departed senior tight end, David Paulson. The position, as it currently stands, doesn’t lack raw, but largely unproven, talent. Colt Lyerla, Christian French and Evan Baylis have been competing for reps this spring as they wait for true freshman Pharaoh Brown to join the fray come August and the start of fall camp. Of all the tight ends expected to compete for legitimate playing time next season, Lyerla is the only one with game experience.

Whether closing practices actually creates a competitive advantage has been theorized but never proved either way. But for now, at least, closing practices appears to be the new norm at Oregon and while some team members say they don't notice either way, others enjoy the isolation.

"You feel comfortable just going out there executing, not worrying about distractions or the media being in there or the fans, or anything," UO running back Kenjon Barner said. "Just come in there and strictly focus on football."